Short-term memory limitations in children: Capacity or processing deficits?

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Abstract
The assertion that short-term memory (STM) capacity increases with age was evaluated. An analysis was made of the STM system in terms of its parameters and control processes. No evidence suggested conclusively that either the capacity or the rate of information loss from STM varies with age. Substantial evidence showed that the processing strategies used by adults were unavailable or deficient in children. Furthermore, considerable differences in the contents and complexity of the long-term memory (LTM) knowledge base (semantic and recognition networks) produced grossly different STM performance between age groups. Three STM-related paradigms (memory span, serial probed recall and recognition under limited exposure), which have consistently shown performance deficits in children, were reviewed. These deficits were explained in terms of the lack of proper control processes (or processing strategies), as well as an impoverished LTM knowledge base rather than a limitation in STM capacity.